Champéry, Switzerland
Tourism Offices/Information:
Champéry Tourist Office
Place du Village 2
1334 Champéry, Switzerland
+41 24 479 20 20
The Champéry Tourist Office provides maps, visitor information, lift tickets, activity bookings and details about hiking, skiing and events in the Portes du Soleil area.
Public Transportation:
Champéry is connected by the Aigle to Champéry to Monthey (ACM) railway line, which links the village to Aigle station on the main Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network. Trains run regularly and connect with services to Lausanne, Montreux and Geneva.
Local buses and ski shuttles connect Champéry with neighboring villages and trailheads. During the winter season, the Portes du Soleil ski bus links Champéry with other resorts in the cross-border ski area. Schedules vary by season and should be checked locally.
Emergency Information:
European emergency number: 112
The number 112 can be used to request police, fire or emergency medical assistance.
Additional numbers: Ambulance 144, Police 117, Fire 118, Rega Air Rescue 1414
Hospital: Hôpital du Chablais, Route de l’Hôpital 20, 1860 Aigle, approximately 30 minutes by car, the main regional hospital for the Chablais area.
Public Restrooms:
Public restrooms are available at the tourist office, cable car stations, mountain restaurants and along main hiking routes. Facilities in remote areas are limited, and travelers should plan ahead when heading into the higher alpine terrain.
Currency:
Swiss Franc (CHF)
Points of Interest:
Portes du Soleil Ski Area
Champéry is one of the original resorts of the Portes du Soleil, one of the largest linked ski areas in the world. The area connects Champéry with neighboring Swiss and French resorts including Morgins, Les Crosets, Avoriaz and Morzine, offering hundreds of kilometers of runs and lifts.
Dents du Midi
The Dents du Midi is a striking mountain range above Champéry with several peaks over 3,000 meters. The range is a defining feature of the local landscape and a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine routes.
Galerie Défago
The Galerie Défago is a cultural space in Champéry dedicated to the history of skiing and alpine sport in the region. It features exhibits on local athletes, equipment and the development of mountain tourism, and is a good stop for visitors interested in the area’s sporting heritage.
Hiking in the Portes du Soleil
The Champéry area offers a wide range of marked hiking trails through alpine meadows, forests and high mountain terrain. Popular routes include trails to the Lac de la Vierge, the Grand Paradis viewpoint and the Col de Coux pass near the French border.
Palladium Sports Center
The Palladium is a sports and wellness center in Champéry offering ice skating, curling, tennis, climbing and spa facilities. It is a useful option for travelers looking for activities beyond hiking and skiing, especially in poor weather.
Monuments and Sculptures/Statues:
Champéry Village Heritage
Champéry preserves traditional wooden chalet architecture and several historic buildings dating to the 19th century, when the village developed as one of Switzerland’s earliest tourist resorts. The central Place du Village and surrounding streets are the main focal points.
Parish Church of Saint Théodule
The Parish Church of Saint Théodule is a landmark in the village center, notable for its bell tower and traditional alpine design. It is an easy stop while exploring Champéry on foot.
Unusual Activities:
Mountain Biking in the Portes du Soleil
The Portes du Soleil is one of the largest mountain biking areas in Europe, with hundreds of kilometers of marked trails and lift access from Champéry. Routes range from family-friendly forest tracks to technical downhill courses.
Ice Skating and Curling at the Palladium
The Palladium sports center offers indoor ice skating and curling year-round. It is a popular activity for families and groups and a good option when weather limits outdoor activities.
Unusual Attractions:
Belle-Étoile Suspension Bridge
The Belle-Étoile suspension bridge is a high alpine footbridge near Champéry offering views across the Dents du Midi and the surrounding peaks. It is a short but memorable stop for hikers comfortable with heights.
Shopping:
Champéry has a small selection of shops including a bakery, grocery store, sports shops and souvenir shops. Local products to look for include Swiss chocolate, cheese, alpine herbal products and handmade crafts. Larger shopping options are available in nearby Monthey and Aigle.
Foods to Try:
Valais cuisine reflects Swiss alpine traditions and local ingredients. Here are a few specialties to try in Champéry:
Raclette du Valais AOC – Melted alpine cheese served with potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins. Raclette originated in the Valais region and is one of its most famous dishes.
Fondue – A shared pot of melted cheese served with bread for dipping, often made with a mix of Gruyère and Vacherin cheeses.
Malakoff – Fried cheese fritters, a specialty of the Chablais region around Champéry, often served as an appetizer.
Valaisanne Plate – A platter of dried meats, cheeses, pickles and bread, showcasing local Valais products.
Rösti – A crispy Swiss potato dish, often served as a side with meat or cheese dishes.
Apricots from Valais – The Valais is famous for its apricots, used fresh in summer and in jams, liqueurs and desserts throughout the year.
Walking Routes:
Champéry Village Walk
Begin at the Place du Village and walk through the historic center, passing traditional chalets, the parish church and local shops. The route is short and suitable for a relaxed introduction to the village.
Tour des Dents du Midi
The Tour des Dents du Midi is a multi-day alpine hiking route circling the Dents du Midi range. Shorter sections can be completed as day hikes from Champéry, including routes to mountain huts and high viewpoints.
Lac de la Vierge Walk
A marked trail from Champéry leads to the Lac de la Vierge, a small alpine lake set in meadows below the Dents du Midi. The walk offers mountain views and is a good option for a half-day excursion.
